Maid Costumes Part of the Role for Royal/T Waitresses

Yuu Asakura keeps the maid costume classy.

Strolling across the floor of Royal/T cafe with plates of salads, the waitress sports peacock-feather earrings, a headpiece atop her dark hair and a bright smile in addition to her maid's attire. 

Though well-immersed in the role after three years, Asakura, a native of Japan, initially had to warm up to the idea.

“When I first heard about the maid costume, I thought, ‘No way,’ ” Asakura said with a laugh. “But this is cute—we interpret it however we want.”

The Alice in Wonderland costumes, and maid cafe theme have been a central attraction for Culver City’s Royal/T Café since the venue opened in 2008, patterned after a trend in the electronic district of Tokyo. Royal/T doubles as a cafe and art museum, an evolving blend of art, culture and cuisine.

The cafe has evolved into a destination, particularly on the weekends, said Amy Laha, director of events.

But the work is more than just a job for Asakura. It is a platform, harmonious with her aspirations for a career on the stage. 

Asakura came to Los Angeles from Osaka, Japan, 10 years ago. She wanted to become an actress.

That goal originated at age 8 as she sat in an audience with her father before a performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Starlight Express.

The roller-skating and fairy story triggered an abiding love of musicals in Asakura. She started to seek out roles at her local theater and watch Hollywood films.

Years after moving to L.A., Asakura is still seeking a break into the industry. An agent helps her find auditions for independent and feature films, and she goes on casting calls for Japanese actresses.

Her large, expressive brown eyes, broad cheeks and height present a drawback because smaller features are generally more desirable, Asakura said.

But she constantly works to build her talents, even taking martial arts classes to expand her opportunities for roles.

“You learn to survive and enjoy the process, same as any dream,” Asakura said.

Royal/T provides plenty of opportunities for Asakura to polish her people skills. Asakura’s daily activities involve being seen by and talking to a broad range of people, she said. She participates in a variety of Royal/T events. Customers often ask to take pictures with her.

And that builds confidence. “[The job] gives me the opportunity to practice,” she said.

The cafe is down the street from the Sony Pictures studio lot, which makes it easy to catch up on industry news with customers employed there, Asakura said.

Royal/T has also boosted the opportunities for fellow waitress Mayumi Tanaka, who moved to L.A. from Tokyo four years ago. A painter of watercolor self-portraits, Tanaka will be displaying her work at local curator Kio Griffith’s gallery this month after meeting him at the cafe.

“You get more connections for art [while working here],” Tanaka said.

At work, she employs her artistic skills to spruce up the daily menu board.

 “We’re not here to be waitresses, we have other goals,” Asakura said. “[Royal/T] fits into our lifestyle.”

Royal/T Cafe is located at 8910 Washington Boulevard. The venue opened its current exhibit, “Party Animals” — emphasis on the “art” in “party” — last Thursday, featuring a blend of animal-themed paintings, sculptures and objects.